Netherlands Pulls Out of Eurovision 2027, Reversing Last Month’s Pledge

The Netherlands will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, reversing a promise made only last month, the Dutch public broadcaster NPO confirmed Tuesday. The organization cited “sensitivities” around Israel’s participation, according to the BBC and Al Jazeera.

The decision adds to a growing list of countries staying away from the contest, which will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, on May 15.

What NPO announced

NPO media director Jurre Bosman said Israel’s participation draws mixed reactions in Dutch society and causes debate and division. After consulting the board of broadcasters, the organization decided to skip the 2027 edition, he said in a statement.

NPO chair Jet de Ranitz said the group had held talks with broadcasters about returning and first believed there was enough support. In the end, she said, it could not find a suitable format, and it is currently too early to take part. She said the organization had decided to step back for now because of the sensitivities surrounding the issues involved.

NPO acknowledged that some Dutch fans may be disappointed. It said the contest would still be shown on public channels in the Netherlands, according to Al Jazeera.

How the Dutch position changed

The Netherlands was one of five countries that boycotted this year’s contest, along with Iceland, Spain, Ireland and Slovenia, the BBC reported. The boycotts came amid criticism of Israel’s military actions in Gaza and the Middle East.

Al Jazeera reported that the Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, which usually picks the country’s entry and airs the show, decided in August to boycott next year’s event, saying the competition could no longer be considered neutral. NPO then stepped in last month and said it would take responsibility for the Dutch entry, the BBC and Al Jazeera reported. Tuesday’s announcement reverses that plan.

Who else is staying out

Ireland has said it will not take part in 2027, for the second year in a row, according to both outlets. The BBC reported that the head of the Spanish public broadcaster has come out in favor of a boycott. The Czech public broadcaster has also pulled out of next year’s event, though it cited spending cuts rather than the Israel dispute, according to the BBC and Al Jazeera.

What organizers say

Contest director Martin Green said he was “deeply sorry” the Netherlands would not compete, the BBC reported. He added that organizers understand and respect the strength of feeling behind the decision and do not dismiss the differing views held within and between countries.

Green said the contest still matters in a divided world, calling it one of the few moments each year when people from across Europe and beyond come together around music and shared experience. He said organizers would welcome a Dutch entry again when they feel the time is right.

The organizers have announced changes aimed at easing the divisions, the BBC reported, including barring any country involved in an armed conflict from hosting the competition and altering the voting. Al Jazeera said that in August the organizers announced countries would be unable to host if an armed conflict or sensitive geopolitical situation materially affects their security or stability.

What this means for viewers

Dutch viewers will still be able to watch the contest on public channels, NPO said, but there will be no Dutch performer on stage in Burgas. The 2027 edition follows Bulgarian singer Dara’s win in Vienna this year with the dance track “Bangaranga,” which gives Bulgaria the right to host for the first time, according to Al Jazeera.

Eurovision, first held in 1956, has grown into the world’s biggest live televised music event, Al Jazeera noted.

Around Prague, based on reporting by BBC News, Al Jazeera